Next he ordered the two regiments to dance and sing war songs, in order to amuse his guests.
This they began to do, drawing nearer as they danced.
It was at this moment that a Zulu appeared, pushing his way through the captains who were gathered at the gate of the labyrinth, and delivered some message to one of the indunas, who in turn passed it on to the king.
"Ow! is it so ?" said the king with a troubled look.

Then his glance fell on me as though by accident, and he added: "Macumazahn, one of my wives is taken very ill suddenly, and says she must have some of the medicine of the white men before they go away.

Now, you tell me that you are a new-married man, so I can trust you with my wives.

I pray you to go and find out what medicine it is that she needs, for you can speak our tongue." I hesitated, then translated what he had said to Retief.
"You had best go, nephew," said the commandant; "but come back quickly, for we ride at once." Still I hesitated, not liking this business; whereon the king began to grow angry.
"What!" he said, "do you white men refuse me this little favour, when I have just given you so much--you who have wonderful medicines that can cure the sick ?" "Go, Allan, go," said Retief, when he understood his words, "or he will grow cross and everything may be undone." So, having no choice, I went through the gateway into the labyrinth.
Next moment men pounced on me, and before I could utter a word a cloth was thrown over my mouth and tied tight behind my head.
I was a prisoner and gagged..